“I saw friends from my old workplace that I haven’tvisited for more than 6 months. They were surprised
to see me and they said,
‘Jessica, you look fantastic! You look totally different!’I told them that I now go to the gym and I’m wearing Medium sized clothes. 6 months ago, I was wearing Extra Large.I’m so happy. I will keep going until I can wear Small again!”– Jessica L.

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Jessica L. came to me a month before her 53rd birthday.

During our initial confession, she confessed that she’s been putting herself in the back-burner, sacrificing her time and energy to take care of her 20-something daughter.

She told me that she realized she wasn’t getting any younger. And if she wants to enjoy life with her growing daughter, she has to start taking care of herself, too.

Jessica’s goals were to lose weight especially in the tummy area, on top of feeling healthier and fitter in general.

She has an active job which sometimes requires her to take ‘double shifts’ working up to 12 hours once in a while. But apart from that, lifting weights was all new to her.We started meeting twice a week on our first month to reinforce this new habit of going to the gym exercising.
I gave her an exercise program that she can do on her own for two more days, plus a High-Intensity Interval Training plan for her cardio.

She came to the gym whenever she can, up to 6 times in a week!Before her work. After her work. On her off days.
Lucky for her, she also has access to a gym in her workplace. So sometimes she does a quick Leg workout (her favorite) at work in the morning, then trains with me at the end of her day.

After a couple of weeks or so, we structured her workouts at the gym and at her workplace so that she doesn’t over-train herself quickly.

We also had a talk where I told her that although her determination, hard work, and energy was phenomenal, what would really drive her fat loss fast would be to dial in her nutrition.

That was when things really start to happen.

Through our 3-Day Diet Diary, she realized that 70 to 80% of her food intake was mostly carbs, and she needed to eat more protein, and drink more water.

Jessica was good.

I haven’t seen someone so determined that nothing slows her down, even her favorite foods!

Fast forward to today, she’s enjoying a week-long cruise, feeling confident in basking under the sun.

This is the “formula” (if there is one) that made her drop 20 lbs and 5% of body fat

Apart from having a stronger core, Jessica has more confidence in herself!

off:

Jessica followed the STRATEGY that I gave her for both
training and nutrition. She started really determined
and energized, but if I did not rein that energy in,
she might have ended up fatigued and frustrated.

She was CONSISTENT in being active throughout the day.
After the first month, she developed her base strength,
improved her balance, and felt more confident in moving her body.
Then she started to walk for 20 minutes every day to
get to and from her workplace.

We dialed in her NUTRITION. As I advised her,
she increased her water intake and watched the
volume of food she’s eating.
We did not follow any specific ‘diet’ plan, we simply
tweaked her eating to match her goals.

The most important key is that her MINDSET changed
about her health and fitness.
At first, she really was not confident that she could
‘get back in shape‘ and thought that being stronger and
fitter is worthy enough goals.
She knew that she had to take action, and she put
exercising and healthy eating at the forefront of herpriorities and schedule.
She claimed that before, she used to just watch T.V.
and eat after a tiring day at work, but now she heads
straight to the gym instead. Sure there were tough days
to train at the gym, but she made it a point to “do something “

Everyone knows that it’s important to be active, eat healthy, and stay fit no matter what age.

But not everyone has the specific strategies and guidance that Jessica had on top of her dedication that produced these stunning results.

If you want to get the same strategy and support that Jessica followed to drop dress sizes and feel more confident in her own body, you can start with my 28-Day Group Coaching program and set off the spark to a more confident, vibrant, and fitter you!

Like any other busy family living in Toronto, my wife and I were finding it tough to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals every week that we won’t find boring and repetitive. Add to that our toddler who’s seems to start eating as much as we do!

So we were looking and asking around for options. We tried buying food from small Filipino restaurants/catering service for a few weeks, but realized soon enough that they serve the same meals every week, which tend to be fatty, salty, or both (don’t get me wrong, they were yummy!).

Then a friend gladly referred my wife to a farm-to-table service by Good Food, Canada and what they do is they send fresh ingredients every week based on recipes that you choose to make delicious, five-star meals at home.

To be honest, we were hesitant at first because the recipes were unfamiliar to us, and we weren’t sure if the servings will be good enough, especially for the very affordablecost per week. I thought high-quality, fresh ingredients that are used to make premium recipes would cost more!

But we gave it a try for a week, and they truly delivered! (pun intended)

I was really impressed when I opened our first box and saw how they carefully packaged each ingredient, labelled them, and portioned each one to the EXACT amount we would need for cooking!

This made it a ton easier to prepare and cook each meal, and we were able to save time for other things we have to do through the day.

Preparing the ingredients this way reduces food waste as well, because we get to use ALL of the prepared ingredients for each recipe.

What I like personally is how each recipe shows the approximate calorie content of each serving! So if you are overwhelmed about counting calories in each meal, this is definitely right for you!

The estimated time to prepare and cook each recipe is also indicated in the professionally printed recipe cards so you can plan other things-to-do around your cook time.

Each recipe is curated by their team of chefs, and the well-balanced, healthy ingredients are portioned out for easy cooking. These raw and fresh ingredients can last for over a week if refrigerated after unboxing. I was worried that no one would be home to receive our first box, but I was happy to see that the package had insulated liners and biodegradable ice packs to make sure that the ingredients stay fresh in the box for 24 to 48 hours. Each and every food container were recyclable, so literally nothing goes to waste!

Cooking with Good Food ingredients was a different, fun experience. Trying out new recipes is definitely exciting for me, and knowing that I can cook with these five-star ingredients in 20 to 40 minutes make me feel like a Master Chef in the kitchen! What a way to impress the family!

*****

In terms of getting fit and healthy, I know that nutrition is the TOUGHEST part. Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or just improve your everyday performance, what you eat plays a big role in how and when you reach your goals!

Getting a farm-to-table premium service from Good Food may be the answer to make your calorie management easier, doable and consistent.
Their ingredients fresh from the farm are nutritious and well-balanced so that you can enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal without worrying about counting calories.

You don’t need to be an experienced Cook to put together and prepare these sumptuous recipes, but cooking their five-star ingredients and recipes will make you feel like an Expert Chef!

Each subscription is good for one week and you can select how many meals and servings you want each week. You can “skip” weeks if you have other food plans or if you’re going away, so your budget remains flexible and manageable as well. There are vegetarian options, too, and I like how they all have balanced protein, carbs and fats.

The cut-off for each subscription is Wednesday, and each box arrives on a Monday.

If you are someone who wants to eat exciting, easy to prepare, and yummy meals made from fresh ingredients that are well-balanced and nutritious so that you can save time for more important stuff and not worry about counting calories, then take this offer to get $40.00 off on your first box by clicking HERE.

Statistics say that losing weight and staying fit and healthy always make it to the Top 10 New Year’s Resolution list that people make. However, statistics also say that most people do not adhere to their resolution, or if they do, they find it hard to sustain it for the whole year! You may have been one of those who made this resolution once or twice before but can’t seem to keep it up for the rest of the year.

Setting a goal is good. But goals will only be good on paper unless we take the next steps to do them. How many people do you think know what to do next after writing their new year’s resolution? How can you make sure that you stick to your goal to lose weight, stay healthy, and get fit?

Direction.
After you set your goal for this year to lose weight, stay healthy, and get fit, the next thing that you should do is to get DIRECTION. You don’t just plan to go to a place without looking at the map to know the best route to your destination. The same goes with the goal to lose weight and stay healthy.

Having a training program is the key to get the direction you need to lose weight and stay healthy. With a good training program, you are sure to get the most out of your workouts and that you are not wasting your time.

Measurement.
When you have the proper direction, the next thing you should do is to MEASURE. Your goals should be attainable and measurable. How much weight do you want to lose? Or to better paraphrase the question, how much weight can you lose in a healthy way? On average, it is safe to lose 1.5 to 2 lbs a week with regular exercise that includes strength training and cardio workouts.

Honestly though, weight is only a vague measurement of how fit or healthy you are. Your body weight can be affected by water, muscle mass, bone density, and much more! At 6’2″ Hugh Jackman was 198 lbs when he bulked up for the movie Wolverine. His BMI would be considered ‘overweight’ based on standard values.

What matters more is your body circumference or girth measurement. It is a better indicator for losing subcutaneous fat – the stubborn fat under your skin – than stepping on the weighing scale. When you determine which ones to measure, then you can easily track your progress and know how to keep improving in your training.

Commitment.
Lastly, you need COMMITMENT. This may sound cliche, but again goals are only good on paper unless you commit to doing them. I started to work as a Personal Trainer in a gym in the first quarter of the year.

Many of my clients who I trained signed up for Personal Training thinking that it will help them commit to pursuing their fitness goal. They got the best training program specific to their goals and needs, and I helped them determine how to measure attainable results. But only the committed clients stayed for the rest of the year. Some were always caught up with their work schedule or other errands always seem to get in the way of training. A few realised after a couple of sessions that they were not ready to commit and sacrifice time and energy.

If you want change to happen, you have to commit everything it takes to get the change you want. In my experience in personal training, there are people who pay big money to the gym for one on one personal training and expect that it will make them commit to their goal. It’s a big mistake and a waste of money.

As a personal trainer I can give you direction; I can motivate you towards your goal; and I can challenge you to push yourself more. What I cannot do is to make you commit to show up every training day and to give your 100% every time.

If you are serious about your fitness goal to lose weight, get healthy, and stay fit, then you just need to motivate yourself to follow these three next steps after writing your goal. Find the direction you need so that you don’t feel lost when you train and so that each training day would be worth it. Get an accurate measurement of your goal and reach for specific, attainable results to keep you motivated. Keep in mind that your goal requires long-term commitment. Don’t be overwhelmed but simply take small steps to develop habits that will help you reach your goal.

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Do you think you can commit to your fitness goal to lose weight, get healthy and stay fit? I can help give you direction and support that you need to be successful in your goal. Send me a direct message or check out the SERVICES page.

What is the TRX suspension trainer?
The TRX suspension trainer is the most versatile piece of equipment that anyone can use in the gym, office, or even in your own home! It is very portable and compact yet the exercises can be challenging. Regardless of your fitness level, TRX is a perfect tool for body weight exercises. The TRX training system was created by Randy Hetrick, a former U.S. Navy Seal who wanted to continue developing his physical fitness while on the field. He developed a strap system that can be attached almost anywhere stable to provide resistance exercises using bodyweight. Because the Navy Seals are always on the go, the exercises of the TRX system is best for people who want to workout with limited space and a minimum amount of time.

How does the TRX suspension trainer work?
The TRX suspension trainer offers anyone the same amount of world class workouts for whole body conditioning, anytime you want and anywhere you want to go. It is like having your gym in a bag! You can do different exercises using the TRX suspension trainerthat works the whole body and develops strength, flexibility, balance and coordination to improve your performance. The TRX suspension trainer has a multiple anchoring system that you can attach anywhere so you can continue toning up and working out even if you’re in your home, office, or hotel.

The TRX suspension trainer is a very flexible tool that you can use to work out your coreand burn calories with intense exercises for maximum calorie burn in less time. This is because transition from one exercise to another is quick and easy! Unlike in the gym where you have to set up plates, bars, and equipment, TRX allows many different exercises while using just one tool. You don’t have to line up to wait for your turn on gym equipment. Just attach your TRX suspension trainer to a pole or doorpost and you can do your own circuit workout!

Can I use the TRX suspension trainer?TRX suspension trainer has been used by MMA fighters, professional athletes, and competitive bodybuilders because it delivers results efficiently and effectively. It has also been featured in the Biggest Loser and has proven itself to be an effective workout equipment even for people who want to start in fitness or if your goal is to lose weight. It is a trusted tool by professional coaches and trainers which ensures that it will help you to reach your fitness goals.

Watch the video below for more information about the TRX suspension trainer and see the TRX in action!

What kind of Suspension Training should I get?
If you are someone who is looking for a dynamic bodyweight workout that you can do in your home, get the TRX Home suspension Trainer and anchor, you’ll also receive a workout guide and 6 bonus workouts for 15 to 30 minute sessions. It will help you build lean muscle and burn fat as you workout with just your body weight! TRX will work your core muscles, chest, and even legs and improve your flexibility and endurance.

If you are a trainer or coach who is looking for creative and effective sports conditioning tool, get the TRX Pro Suspension Training Kit which includes videos and workout cards. It also includes workout programs for your clients or team.

If you want to level up in strengthening your core, the Rip Trainer is for you! The Rip Trainer is an innovative system that helps you develop core strength, power, flexibility, and endurance. It is also a portable device that anyone can use anywhere! The Rip Trainer is a functional training tool with exercises that can easily mimic movements in sports and everyday life. It will help you build core strength and burn calories by challenging your body with unequal loads.

Fitness Blender is one of my go-to resources for conditioning exercises and workouts. Most of the exercises are done in a circuit format and uses minimal to no equipment. Body weight exercises are emphasized since fitness blender is designed for people who want to continue working out on their own without needing to go to a gym.

Like any other exercise or intense physical activity, make sure that you are medically cleared for a heavy workout. HIIT is designed for those with a baseline level of fitness in terms of endurance, strength, coordination, and balance. The pace of the workout is fast and the exercises are continuous. If you are not sure about your fitness level, you can watch the video first and try the workout for 1 set at a slower pace. Rest whenever you need to.

Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before doing the exercise routine and cool down properly after the workout. This video shows a 10 minute High Intensity Interval Training workout that will surely burn calories in less time. The pattern of this HIIT is 20 seconds continuous work to 10 seconds of active rest (20 seconds ON, 10 seconds OFF) done for 2 straight rounds per exercise. You will be doing only two exercises: Sidewinder Mountain Climbers and Toe Touch Jacks.

Carbohydrates are one of the three major macronutrients that the body needs for proper functioning. It is the body’s main fuel not just to move those muscles, but most importantly to keep your brain working. Many fad diets promote carbohydrate depletion and carbohydrate fasting, which is contradictory to the essential purpose of this macronutrient. It is important to understand what the uses of carbohydrates in the body are and how the body utilizes carbohydrates to maximize this efficient fuel source.

How does the body use Carbohydrates?
The body uses carbohydrates for various and important functions. Primarily, carbohydrates are important for brain functioning. The brain exclusively uses the blood sugar glucose – the type of carbohydrate found inside the body – for its normal functioning, and the body does well to balance blood sugar levels to keep the brain fueled. Carbohydrates are also used by skeletalmuscles for contraction and by smooth muscles of internal organs. The body mainly uses carbohydrates for high intensity exercises. Without carbohydrates to fuel movement, the body will look for other sources of energy which is usually protein converted into glucose. The body breaks down protein in the liver to produce the needed fuel if you do not have enough carbohydrates in your diet. Sufficient carbohydrate supply keeps the liver from using proteinas an energy source so that protein can be used for more important functions in tissue growth, maintenance, and repair. Last but not the least, carbohydrates are the key to fat oxidation in the Krebs cycle. The body needs energy from carbohydrates to start up its engine that burns fat for fuel. This means that the body cannot burn fat if you deprive yourself of carbohydrates.

What are the types of Cabohydrates?
With regards to Carbohydrate consumption, it is the structure of these chemical compounds that determine how the body uses it. Understanding the types of Carbohydrates is important to know which ones are needed for quick recovery, maintain balanced energy in the body during competition, or which ones are best for general health.

Carbohydrates can simply be divided into two:

1.) Simple Carbohydrates (Monosaccharides and Disaccharides)
It is the chemical structure of Carbohydrates that dictates how it is absorbed by the body. Glucose is a monosaccharide that is used by human cells and can be easily absorbed by the body from your diet, broken down from more complex types, or produced by the liver through the process called gluconeogenesis. Other monosaccharides are fructose and galactose.Oligosaccharides are composed of 2 to 10 monosaccharides that are bonded together. Examples of oligosaccharides are table sugars or sucrose, maltose, and lactose. Sucrose can be abundantly found in processed food. Other oligosaccharides are milk sugars or lactose, and grain sugars or maltose.Food sources for simple sugars are table sugars, corn syrup, fruits, malt igredients, honey, and other sweeteners.

2.) Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are polysaccharides which means that its chemical component is compound consisting from 10 to thousands of monosaccharides. In practical application this simply means that generally, the body breaks down complex carbohydrates at a much slower pace than simple carbohydrates.Starch and fiber are sources for complex carbohydrates from plants and glycogen is from animals. Complex carbohydrates usually refer to starch which can be derived from eating bread, cereal, pasta peas and beans, potatoes, and pastries. Fiber is a non-starch and non-digestible complex carbohydrate that can be derived from eating food like leafy vegetables, fruit coverings, oats, brown rice, and wheat bran.

Eatig a high-fiber diet does not directly affect sports performance but it promotes general health and prevents chronic diseases.

When to consume Carbohydrates? Simple vs. Complex CarbohydratesSo when should you eat simple carbohydrates and when should you eat complex carbohydrates?

A good way to determine which kind of carbohydrate to eat is to know its Glycemic Index. Basically, the Glycemic Index (GI) of a food tells how fast the food source is processed and absorbed by the body. Sugars in most sports drink or soda have a high GI which means that the body absorbs them quickly. It was mentioned before that generally, complex carbohydrates are broken down at a much slower pace than simple carbohydrates, but it also depends on the GI of the food.

It is best to consume simple carbohydrates with high GIafter a long or intense physical activity or when your energy is depleted from exercising. Simple carbohydrates can be easily absorbed by the body and replenish lost energy stores. Also for long-duration athletes like runners or marathoners, consuming high-glycemic carbohydrates is essential in maintaining their blood glucose level during their endurance events or training.

Complex carbohydrates with low GI are ideal to be eaten in between exercise or training sessions to promote energy storage. Note again that not all complex carbohydrates have low GI. Also, cooking or processing of food changes the chemical structure of carbohydrate sources. It is better to eat unprocessed carbohydrates to maximize its benefits.

How much Carbs should I eat?
The daily requirements for each macronutrient depends on your age, gender, height, weight, and even physical activity. Generally, 45 to 65% of total daily calories should come from Carbohydrates. Athletes need to replace lost energy from training and they may require up to 70% of calories from carbohydrates in a day! Since carbohydrates are the main fuel for your brain and muscles you definitely need much of it every day even if you are not involved in any sport.

Unlike Protein and Fats, there are no minimum daily recommended allowance for Carbohydrates. This is because the body can generate fuel from other sources apart from Carbohydrates but remember that this may mean breaking down muscle protein and deprives your brain of energy. Generally, 180 to 300 grams of Carbohydrate is enough to fuel your day. If you take part in intense physical activities such as sports, you might need to consume up to 400 grams per day to replace lost fuel.

Carbohydrate Tips:

If there is such a thing as a nutritional secret, then that would be balance. Eat a balanced diet composed of simple and complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These are macronutrients that your body needs for fuel, repair, and proper functioning.

Choose organic or unprocessed foods for your fuel source. Processing alters the chemical composition of food which not only lessens the health benefits of the food but sometimes may even cause other negative effects such as diabetes and heart disease.

Before and during high intensity activities, consume carbohydrates with high Glycemic Index to provide fuel for your work out.

In between exercise bouts, consume carbohydrates with low Glycemic Index to maintain your blood sugar and keep your body fueled for the next work outs.

If you are trying to lose weight, it is not wise to undergo carbohydrate depletion or fasting. Think about losing fat, and not merely losing weight – there is a big difference. Remember that your body needs carbohydrates to burn fat, and you burn fat through exercise. If you want to limit your carbohydrate consumption, consume at least 70 grams of carbohydrates per day to keep your brain fueled.

Talk to your nutritionist or dietitian for more understanding on carbohydrate consumption and what will work best for you.

A few weeks ago, I posted about how Circuit Training might be the exercise of choice for busy people who also want to train both their aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Circuit Training is also a good way to boost your metabolism which simply leads to more calories burnt compared to the usual resistance training.

To reap the full benefits of a High Intensity Interval Training workouts (which includes Circuit Training), the total volume should be high, which makes it a bit reserved for the elite athlete. However, the format of Circuit Training can be adapted for the novice exerciser and still gain most of the benefits that the workout can give.

If you are trying to start your healthy habit to exercise, or you are just looking for an easy alternative workout, here is a beginner’s Bodyweight Circuit Training workout that you can do with minimal or no equipment at all. I assume that you will ‘practice‘ exercising at home, so you only need improvised gym equipment that can easily be found in your house. The most that you need might be an exercise mat – if you don’t have one, you can use a big towel for exercises on the floor. Another good thing about this body weight circuit training is that you can do this while watching T.V. during commercial breaks!
You can workout somewhere near your stairs and a wall (of course your house has a wall anywhere). For additional resistance, get two regular 500ml water bottles (filled with water or any liquid). Alternatively, you can use two equal-sized and equal-weighed books.

Remember to warm-up properly by doing slow head rotations, arm circles (forward and back), arm cross overs, alternating leg/foot reach while standing, lunges, and jumping jacks. (10 to 12 repetitions of each). Warm up is important to make sure that your body is ready for more work and so that your heart won’t get surprised by the stress from the exercises. If you are new to exercise, add a few more repetitions to warm-up for 5 to 10 minutes.

If you’re warmed up and ready, here’s the body weight circuit workout that you can do at home:

Start by doing 12 repetitions or 12 counts for each exercise for your first set. If you feel 12 reps is too easy, you can do 15 to 20 reps for each exercise on your next sets.

Do Jumping Jacks for a metabolic start. Hold one water bottle for each hand and do moderate to fast jumping jacks.

Wall Squats. Lean with your back against the wall and squat down until your legs are bent to about 90 degrees. Hold the squat position for 12 slow counts. You can hold on to your water bottles for this one, but for additional intensity, you can alternate lifting your heels.

Stand from your squat position and do bicep curls using your books or water bottles. You can do it either one arm at a time or both arms at the same time.

Crawl Leg Extension.Image from Webmd

Next, do alternating front and lateral arm raises with your water bottles. With both arms straight, lift them up sideways to shoulder level and bring them down, then lift both arms again to shoulder level but this time bring them in front of you, then bring them down. That counts as one repetition. Do 12 to 15 repetitions for bicep curls and arm raises.

Crawl Leg Extension. Go down to your hands and knees to do a crawl to work the back of your legs and your buttocks. Do a minimum of 12 repetitions, one leg at a time. This exercise also works your core muscles – abdominal and back – if you maintain proper form while kicking by not letting your tummy or your chest sag.

Lie on your side to do Side-lying Leg Lifts. Lying on one side with your shoulders on top of each other and the bottom arm supporting your head, align your spine by making a straight line from your bottom foot to your hips and to your shoulders and head. Lift the top leg up and slowly lower it down. Do a minimum of 12 repetitions for each leg.

If you’re watching T.V., quickly run to the bottom of your stairs to do the Stair Climb with Overhead Raise. Yes, this includes an arm exercise so if you forgot your books or water bottles, go back and grab them! Holding on to your home equipment, reach both arms straight up and overhead, reaching towards the ceiling without arching your back. Keep your arms up as you do moderate to fast stair-climbing. Use your right foot first to step up, followed by your left foot, then use your right foot to step down, followed by your left. After a minimum of 12 steps, continue doing the exercise but this time starting with your left foot and followed by your right. Your core muscles are also challenged in this exercise as you keep your arms up and your spine stable throughout the exercise. This exercise is also great for your posture!

Catch your breath, then lie down on your back to do the Hip Bridge also known as the Glute bridge. As the name implies, this mainly works your glutes, but I included this exercise to this circuit for another purpose. If you have been sitting all day or haven’t been stretching regularly, then you might be having chronic low back pain. Low back pain sometimes arises from tightness on your hip flexors – the muscles opposite your low back (i.e., in front of you) which connects from your pelvis to your spine. The Hip Bridge alleviates the tightness by putting a good stretch on the hip flexors. Also, it challenges your core muscles to stabilize the position of the exercise. The photo below shows a good variation of this exercise by reaching your arms up – this adds some stretch to your upper back and shoulders. When you reach this position, lower your hips without touching the mat then push your hips up again to bridge position. Do this for a minimum of 12 repetitions.

Image from rrstar.com

Straighten your legs then roll over on your belly to do the Dry Swimming. This is a good Pilates exercise that you can add to your circuit to work out your back muscles and shoulders. Hold on to your water bottles and straighten both arms and legs. Make sure that you keep your abdominal muscles engaged by ‘sucking in‘ your belly button all throughout the exercise. Keep your gaze down on your mat as you reach both arms and legs up. And as the name implies, alternately lift and lower opposing arms and legs, as if you’re swimming on land. Count at least to 12 seconds for this exercise.

End the circuit with a nice Front Plank. If you’re starting and haven’t done a plank before, hold it for at least 15 to 20 seconds. If you think you’re an expert on this exercise, hold the plank for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Rest and stretch by doing the prayer position, kneeling with your feet relaxed and your hips almost touching your heels. Curl your spine down and reach your arms straight and forward. Relax your shoulders every time you exhale on slow breaths for 15 counts.

That makes one set of 10 easy body weight exercises for your home circuit workout. Rest for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute (or wait for the next commercial) before doing another set. Try doing 3 sets of this routine to reap maximum results. You can do this 2 to 3 times a week for around 2 weeks, gradually increasing the intensity, then you will be ready for a more intense circuit.